Eric Patrick
Popular Nigerian Afrobeat singer, David Adeleke, well known as Davido, has replied to Nigerians who criticised him over his recent comments about Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Speaking during an appearance on The Big Homies House podcast, the music star had advised Black Americans against relocating to Nigeria, citing poor leadership, a declining exchange rate, and rising oil prices as major concerns.
“It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles,” Davido said during the interview, which has since gone viral.
He delved into the current issues plaguing Nigeria, explaining, "The country is facing a multitude of problems. The exchange rate is in disarray, many things are not going as they should. The economy is simply not up to par. It's absurd that the oil price is so high when Nigeria produces oil itself, yet we're paying more for it than countries that import it."
The singer also clarified his dual role as an entertainer and a representative of Nigeria, adding, “It is not cool back home. The economy is in shambles. I do my part, I am an ambassador. When I go home and I am filming, I am not going to show the bad parts.”
Davido’s remarks sparked criticism from various quarters, including actors and TV presenters, who accused him of tarnishing Nigeria’s image.
Akashat Ny’mat, a presenter on TVC, argued that Davido’s comments, while rooted in truth, were inappropriate on a global platform.
Ny’mat, during her segment on the TVC programme, said, “When the President takes a plane to a country to look for foreign investors and a prominent figure like Davido says this, he is essentially telling them not to come,”
Unfazed by the backlash, Davido took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to defend his position while hitting back at critics.
In a series of posts on X, Davido maintained his position as a “real ambassador” of Nigeria.
“Lmao #tvcnewsng nah today? You all are mad ‘cus we the real ambassadors,” he wrote.
He also expressed excitement over his delivery during the podcast, stating in pidgin English, “The way my accent be for that interview dey sweet me very demure.”
The singer spoke on concerns that his shows in Nigeria might be cancelled due to his remarks, saying, “Dem say dem go cancel my show cus of my interview … loooool I don’t have to perform in Nigeria.”
Since rising to fame in 2012 with his hit single ‘Dami Duro’ from his debut album ‘Omo Baba Olowo,’ Davido has become one of Africa’s most influential artists.
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